When will non-HDTVs stop receiving signals and become obsolete?

Answer 1

As an act of Congress, the analog broadcast cut off date is February 17, 2009. Of course, as they have done in the past, that could be changed, but since this is the second "official act" it'll most likely happen as scheduled.

If you currently have an analog TV with a cable box or a satellite box, you most likely won't have to worry since they still have analog outputs on them, so your TV should continue to work.

Besides, satellite TV (the same sources for the cable company's programming) is by and far for the most part, already completely digital. There may be one or two programmers that haven't transitioned yet, but when they do, you'll probably not even be aware of when it happens.

My advice to you by the way, is if you have an analog TV that's working OK and the picture's good, hold off as long as possible before buying a new HDTV or a digital TV if you can. The product they're putting out these days, in my opinion, aren't nearly as reliable as your current analog TV. That's why I'm hanging onto mine as long as possible. Mainly in hopes they figure out that people won't keep buying stuff that keeps breaking down, and strengthens their designs. Additional comment: Non-DTVs are only obsolete in that aren't manufactured anymore. Except for some tiny TVs that don't have a way to connect an exernal antenna, any analog TV can receive DTV & HDTV signals. If you get you TV with an antenna, you will need to buy a cheap converter box. Cable & satilite companies generally take care of the conversion for you. The TV system is changing to DTV (digital TV), there is no mandate that all digital signals be in "HD" resolution.